Search This Blog

World AIDS Day

So many things in this world are red: Elmo, strawberries, blood, Mars, stop signs, Superman’s cape and even Santa’s cheeks. The list is never ending. Out of all the primary colours, red is considered one of the most powerful. Often associated with passion and danger, it’s a hue that is sure to get you noticed.

The colour red also marks this day, December 1st. Today gives the world an opportunity to unite in the fight against HIV and show their support for people living with HIV and to commemorate people who have died as a result. It has been estimated that 34 million people have HIV and more than 35 million people have died from the virus. This makes it one of the most destructive pandemics in history. Many scientific advances have been made in HIV treatment, there are laws to protect people living with HIV and it is thought that one understands so much more about the condition. But despite this, people do not know the facts about how to protect themselves and others from HIV. Stigma and discrimination remain a reality for many people living with HIV. World AIDS Day is important because it reminds each and every one of us that HIV has not gone away – there is still a vital need to raise money, increase awareness, fight prejudice and improve education.

For many years, fashion designers have been uniting to create unique pieces to create awareness for HIV/AIDS. For the fourth consecutive year, Eastpak presents its Artist Studio initiative that brings together the biggest names in fashion in order to raise awareness about World Aids Day. Eastpak asked 16 talented designers, including Jean Paul Gaultier, Walter Van Beirendonck and Manolo Blahnik, to customize a blank Eastpak backpack, turning it into a collectible work of art. All creations will be auctioned off during December. All the proceeds will then go to Designers Against AIDS (DAA). The DAA is a charity organization that was founded in 2004 and whose goal is to promote projects that bring AIDS-related issues to public attention and help prevent the spread of the disease around the world. Following a press release, the brand said that “In joining forces with DAA, Eastpak and the artists of the Eastpak Artist Studio are sending a clear declaration of intent to join in the fight against this destructive disease while giving support to sufferers worldwide.”

You all know, from reading my posts, that I don’t like to push outfits on you but I will always give you my two pence on a given trend or what not. But I do like to raise ones awareness on a certain topic. Today, it’s your turn. Wear red and raise awareness.